Tampa Bay Area Beaches

Greetings all! Jerm here to give you the lowdown on all things Mother's Day in Tampa Bay this weekend, and boy are there plenty of things for you to do and places to take mom!

In Tampa Bay this weekend, you definitely have your pick of Mother's Day brunches throughout the are at some of the Tampa Bay area's finest dining establishments! Here's a quick list of a few of them!

Mother's Day Brunches and Dining

• Aqua Bar & Grille - AQUA's fresh colors reflect the vibrancy of the cool ocean waters. Experience an environment designed to entertain your every sense, highlighted by a water encased walk-in wine cellar and a state
  of the art open kitchen. Website - Menu

• Boizao Steakhouse - Mother's Day at Boizao mean's $29.99 per person! Website

• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar -  Gather your family at Fleming's for a memorable Mother's Day celebration on Sunday, May 13th. They will be opening early for brunch at 11:30 am, but will have a $25 gift for your Mom no matter what time of day you choose to celebrate. Web Site

• ItalAsia - GREAT menu and VERY affordable at only $21.95 for adults and $10.95 for ages 6-12.  The menu is available on our new ItaliAsia. Web Site - Menu

• Roy's Hawaiian Fusion - Enjoy a  3-course Mother's Day Brunch starting at $29.95. All mom who dine will recieve a $20 dining card to use on their next visit.
  
  Web Site

• Yacht Starship - We’re celebrating Mother’s Day and the return of Florida’s Largest Dining Yacht in a BIG way! *The first 50 moms with parties of four or more cruise for FREE (Buy 3, Mom is free)! Call in reservations only! Offer not valid online. Restrictions apply. Subject to availability. 813-223-7999 Web Site
   
  Cruise Times
  Early Cruise                   Late Cruise
  Boards: 10:30 am           Boards: 2:00 pm
  Departs: 11:00 am          Departs: 2:30pm
  Returns: 1:00 pm           Returns: 4:30 pm
  
  Prices
  Adults: $44.95*
  Children: $29.95*
  *plus tax, port fee, and gratuity

Mother's Day Things to Do

• The Florida Aquarium - This Mother's Day treat mom to a sea of memories that she will never forget. Introduce her to our awe-inspiring Sand Tiger Sharks and over 20,000 other amazing sea creatures. Moms can enjoy free admission on May 12th and 13th with the purchase of a full paid admission. Web Site

• Henry B. Plant Museum - As our gift to all Mothers, free admission to the Henry B. Plant Museum on Mother's Day, May 13th! Bring your Mother to the Museum and let her escape to Victorian splendor at the former Tampa Bay Hotel. Web Site

• Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo - Bring mom to the Zoo for Mother’s Day and she gets in for free!  On Saturday, May 12 or Sunday, May 13, moms receive free admission with the purchase of their son’s or daughter’s full-priced admission ticket (paid ticket can be child or adult admission, as applicable). For moms to receive free ticket offer, the paid ticket must be purchased on May 12 or 13 only. Offer not combinable with other discounts. Web Site

• MOSI - May 7 & 8 - $5 Mother's Day.  Bring mom to MOSI on Saturday, May 7 or Sunday, May 8 and she gets in for only $5! Web Site

• Dinosaur World - Mom’s free on Mother’s Day (Mom receives free admission with a fully paid child admission) Web Site

• For more Mother's Day related things to do, be sure to check out 813 Area for more! Web Site

Hi everyone. We're excited to have a guest blog today by Joe Laing with El Monte RV Rentals!  Here you go:

Whether you are planning a family RV vacation to Tampa Bay or have Tampa on your Florida itinerary and plan to fly in to take in the sights, there is high adventure waiting for you in this exciting city. Sometimes even Tampa residents get so involved in their workaday world, they forget there are so many things for the whole family to do right at home.

Of course, you can't neglect the most important attractions in town. The first family adventure should be the famous Busch Gardens. This theme park has rides, shows and plenty of animal exhibits. Take the sky lift ride and get a unique view of the wildlife. Another must-see is Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens, an unforgettable trip of over 65 acres of African Plain where you'll enjoy getting up close and personal with zebras, ostriches and much more.
 
When you love animals and sea life, Tampa Bay is the place to come. The Florida Aquarium offers an educational and interactive experience with touch tanks that allow kids to get "hands-on" with fascinating creatures. They also provide a Wild Dolphin Cruise so you can see some amazing dolphins in their natural habitat – Tampa Bay.

Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo, and Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is no exception. Visit this highly rated zoo! The animals will love it if you do. The Big Cat Rescue is worth a visit, too. This is a large sanctuary dedicated to big cats, with over 100 lions, cougars and more.

Be sure to take the family to see the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center just south of Tampa. If visiting from November through April, you'll see manatees, an endangered species that finds love and attention here. Other times of the year, you can play games, see the butterfly gardens and experience a hurricane simulator. Best of all is the free admission.

Adventure Island has 30 acres of water rides, and if you desire a day of swimming in a giant wave pool, playing in waterfalls or rushing down a corkscrew slide, you'll love it here. The Florida sun isn't quite as ferocious when you visit this theme park.

The historic neighborhood of Ybor City is a wonderful place to soak up some interesting history. One of the best ways to absorb that history is to engage in the Secret City Walks, where you stick those headphones on your head and get a self-guided audio tour. This experience really brings the ghosts of Ybor City to life for the whole family.

No matter if you have an RV camper or car, you will find it extremely rewarding to drive over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, keeping an eye out for the dolphins that often appear in the water below. Great views are yours to behold from this marvelous bridge. You can also fit in some fishing from the nearby pier. Make it a point to stop at Bayshore Boulevard, a sidewalk that has the claim to fame of being the longest sidewalk in the world. Winding along the bay, you will truly enjoy the 4.5-mile stroll.

Love to visit parks and take part in many different outdoor activities? Lettuce Lake Park offers canoe rentals, fishing, hiking and a lovely path to take a bicycle. Another popular park to take a nice little trek through the woods is Al Lopez Park, 132 acres of great wildlife and a pond where you can throw in a line.

Speaking of canoeing, the perfect place to get away from the crowds is Hillsborough River State Park. Once you move away from the main picnic area, you will get some solitude and relaxation in the fragrant woods. This state park has an RV campground as well as tent camping. Hiking is great here too. Of course, if you prefer the beach you can take the Courtney Campbell Causeway over to Clearwater, and make your way right to Clearwater Beach. Walk out on the pier and enjoy the fresh salt air. The sand is clean and white.

Once back in Tampa, you may wish to see some of the museums in the city. There are many, but you can get a unique view of some of Tampa history at the Henry B. Plant Museum, once an opulent hotel where Teddy Roosevelt and Babe Ruth stayed. Another site you shouldn't miss if the Museum of Science and Industry, with over 450 hands-on activities that the kids will love.

Yes, Tampa offers much adventure for any family, whether exploring on an RV vacation or touring by car.

About the Author
Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. You can see more great RV vacation ideas in their Monty's Musings RV Travel Blog. Be sure to check their Florida Rentals page for a luxury motorhome for a Florida vacation adventure.

Good morning Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know some great news about The Westin Tampa Bay!

Recently, The Westin Tampa Bay was ranked the #1 Hotel in Tampa by the U.S. News & World Report.

Wondering why The Westin received this recognition? According to U.S. News & World Report there was quite a few reasons...  The brilliant view of Old Tampa Bay from all 255 rooms, the ultra-comfortable rooms (featuring the trademark heavenly beds) and the gracious front desk staff.

Guests also appreciate having access to the heated indoor pool, gorgeous beach and tasty-in house restaurant.  The Westin Tampa Bay suggests you order from the delicious prix-fixe menu at The AQUA Bar and Grille during your visit!

Next time you are looking for a wonderful hotel and/or a great place to eat, keep The Westin Tampa Bay in mind!

Check back often for more information on things to do and Tampa Bay Hotels!
 

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to help you get a start on your Easter dining plans.

If you have been on the hunt for a great Easter meal, The Columbia Restaurant is open and including special Easter features to the menu.

The Columbia Café on the Riverwalk in Tampa is also open on Easter Sunday. You are welcome to enjoy a more casual meal from the regular menu at the cafe.  Easter features are not offered. Indoor or outdoor waterfront seating available without reservations.

Easter Features

Roast Leg of Lamb “Dali” - Domestic lean leg of lamb, marinated with red wine, garlic, lemon and oregano, roasted with potatoes in a rich gravy. Served with “Good Rice”, spring vegetables and mint jelly.  $19.95

Baked Virginia Ham - Hand carved ham topped with an orange sauce. Served with real mashed potatoes, candied yams and vegetable medley. $19.95

Entrees served with Caesar Salad and hot Cuban bread.  Try Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad for $2.95 extra.

Chocolate Tres Leches - A light sponge cake in a mixture of three milks and rich chocolate. $5.95

Strawberry Malaguena  - Fresh strawberries marinated in Spanish Amontillado Sherry, brown sugar and fresh mint. $5.95

Sangria de Cava - Spain’s wonderful bubbling cooler made with Spanish Cava (Champagne), Torres brandy and liqueur, with citrus juices. One taste will transport you to the sunny coast of Spain.  Pitcher $19.95

This sounds like the perfect place to enjoy a great Easter meal. I hope you all enjoy the featured menu items too! Call to make your reservations today!

Check back with us often for more Tampa Bay dining news.

Hi everyone.  Travis back with some great things to do in Tampa Bay, as well as some ways to get you outdoors and enjoying the weather!  Here are some events and activities for you to take part in, all taking place at Hillsborough County's Parks and Recreation Centers:

The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department will hold a FREE Double Dutch class for boys and girls ages 11 - 17. For more information, contact Toi Powell or Tasha Mingo, Ruskin Recreation Center, at 813-672-7881.
What: Double Dutch Class For Girls & Boys
Where: Ruskin Recreation Center, 901 6th St. SE in Ruskin
When: March 21 – May 9 on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Registration: Is FREE, by March 19

The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department will hold a FREE Hip Hop Line Dance Class for boys and girls ages 11 – 17. For more information, contact Toi Powell, Parks, Recreation and Conservation, at 813- 672-7881.
What: Hip Hop Line Dance For Girls & Boys
Where: Apollo Beach Recreation Center, 664 Gulf & Sea Blvd. in Apollo Beach
When: March 22 - May 10 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Registration: FREE, by March 20

The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department will hold an Individual 3-Point Basketball Shoot-Out competition for anyone age 12 and above. Registration includes trophies for the winners. For more information, contact Keystone  Park at 813-264-3819.
What: Individual 3-Point Basketball Shoot-Out
Where: Keystone Park, 17928 Gunn Highway in Odessa
When: Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fee: $5 Early Registration, $10 Game Day Registration

The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department and ZUMBA with Erika are holding a Zumbathon to benefit County Parks programs and the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Augie’s Quest to cure Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
What: Zumbathon
Where: Gardenville Recreation Center, 6219 Symmes Road in Gibsonton
When: Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. – Noon
Registration: Saturday, March 24 at 9 a.m.
Fee: $10 donation, vendor tables $20 donation
More information: contact Heather Cobb, Gardenville Recreation Center, at 813- 672-1120.

The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department is hosting a youth basketball league for boys and girls ages 7– 12. This basketball league is designed to encourage self-esteem, recreation and physical activity. Cost includes a t-shirt and trophy.
What: Youth Basketball League
Where: Ruskin Recreation Center, 901 6th St. SE in Ruskin
When: March 27 - May 10, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Registration: Begins March 12
Fee: $30 per child, $25 for Rec2Six participants
More information: contact Joy Robinson, Ruskin Recreation Center, at 813-672-7881.

Join Hillsborough County’s Bakas Equestrian Center as they host the Area Special Olympics Equestrian Championships. Competitions include: Trails obstacle course; showmanship; pole bending speed event; barrel racing speed event; drill team; English and Western equitation; and dressage.

Riders from Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties will compete for top places in order to move up to the State Championships to be held in May. Concessions are available.
What: Area Special Olympics Equestrian Championships
Where: Bakas Equestrian Center, 11510 Whisper Lake Trail in Tampa (For directions, visit www.bakasridingcenter.com. It is not recommended to use MapQuest as this website does not provide accurate directions)
When: Friday, March 30, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturday, March 31, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Registration: FREE

And there you go...plenty of ways to get you involved in Hillsborough County's Parks and Recreation centers!  If you sign up...have a great time!  And we'll see you back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay! 

Just 20 minutes from Tampa’s downtown, and 3 miles north of Ruskin, EG Simmons park is one family friendly experience you won.t want to miss out on!.

To some this is a just an ordinary county park, to endangered wildlife such as the manatee, Bald Eagle and the Roseate Spoonbill, its considered home.

E.G. Simmons is a known vacation destination for many families since the mid- 1960’s because of its camping sites and natural preservations.

Native Mangroves cover more than 250 acres of the park (200 acres is preserved for the wildlife sanctuary), followed by open landscapes and a BEAUTIFUL beach; what else could anyone ask for?

There are tons of things to do while visiting the park such as taking a swim at the public beach, salt water fishing, camping (electrical hookups and waterfront camping sites), grilling, hiking, canoeing (launches and rentals), beach volleyball and hiking.

Are you are looking for family fun? Then load up the car and then head to EG Simmons Park, it’s worth the experience! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more family friendly things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Hello everyone! We wanted to drop by and tell you all about a recent group outing to one of Florida's newest attractions!

LEGOLAND® Florida is a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun.

Located in Winter Haven, FL and just 45 minutes from the Orlando theme parks and downtown Tampa. LEGOLAND is a brand of interactive theme parks dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12.

Each Park features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions geared towards interactive family fun. There are four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London, LEGOLAND California in the U.S. and LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Bavaria Germany.

Legoland Florida provides education, adventure and in this second park of its kind in the United States. Kim Iseman, Director of Sales & Marketing and Todd Andrus, Sales Manager with Legoland gave us a in-depth tour of the park’s newest addition opening in late May.  It is Legoland Water Park.  It will be a waterpark for both children and adults to enjoy.

There will be an additional $15 added to the admission price of the Theme Park to be able to enter this section of Legoland.  People can stroll through the exhibits and hands on experiences of Legoland and walk to the water park to cool off and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.  They will have cabanas to rent, beach chairs, restaurant on site, lockers all with the Legoland theme.

Legoland is a fun place to spend the entire day.  The activities are limitless and it is a place where children can have their imaginations soar. That's all for now folks, but stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!
 

Hi everyone! Team YKPF (Ye Krewe of Palos de Fuego) headed out to Pinellas County and more specifically Clearwater Beach to visit StarLite Cruises. 

Laura Lothridge, the Director of Sales, was kind enough to meet us out there (and to be our photographer) to show us their Majesty, Calypso Queen and Nature Cruise boats.    

The Majesty is a modern style ship with a contemporary flair featuring brass and mirrored interior design. 

The vessel holds 180 guests for sit down meals and up to 400 for cocktail style events.  The Majesty serves up lunch with sightseeing starting at $34.95 for adults and also has dinner and dancing cruises starting at $53.25 for adults.  

The Calypso Queen is StarLite’s colorful Caribbean themed ship which is more in tuned with a laid back atmosphere for those beach goers.  The vessel holds up to 149 passengers for its afternoon lunch and dolphin viewing excursion or its sunset dinner and tropical cruise party; prices start at just $24.90 for the lunch and $34.90 for the dinner.

Take advantage of these great Clearwater Beach experiences “for a dazzling night out”.  That's it for now folks, but be sure to check out Starlite Dining Cruises and check back here for more updates and outings on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hello there folks! Jerm here with an update for you on an awesome festival coming this month!

Saturday March 10 and Sunday March 11, Join the Ruskin Southshore chamber of Commerce as they promote the awareness and preservation of the West Indian Manatee at the Manatee Festival of the Arts! The festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary with visual, performing, and even culinary arts!

The Apollo Beach Manatee Festival of the Arts is an innovative showcase of fine arts and fine crafts which draws talent from all across the country. The exhibitor's area offers visitors an opportunity to meet and interact with artists - to view their works and purchase art from the individual who created it.

There is also a Children's Creativity Center, live musical performances, special environmental exhibits, a Culinary Arts program and a free shuttle to the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center to view the gentle manatee in their winter habitat and a variety of foods to tempt any palette. This is an excellent venue to display and sell art in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Here are some of the details of the event below!

Dates: Saturday, March 10, 2012, 10 AM - 5 PM; Sunday, March 11, 2012, 10 AM - 5 PM

Location: Tampa Electric Company South Shore Community EventsCenter,
Dickman & Noonan Branch Roads,
Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Admission: $5 Adults; Children 10 and under free - Includes free parking and free shuttle to Manatee Center & Overflow parking lot. Park at the Elementary School at the corner of Dickman & Apollo Beach. Take the shuttle. Avoid the traffic.

Featuring:

• Approximately 90 juried fine artists and craftsmen from across the country
• Patrons Program for the art enthusiast, which includes a preview party
• Children's Creativity Center with hands-on arts and crafts
• Free Shuttle Service to the Manatee Viewing Center from the Festival and parking sites
• Wide variety of food and beverage vendors.
• Non-profit organizations on hand to educate and show ways to protect wildlife, boating, environment and other causes
• Entertainment

This is gonna be a great event for families and all so be sure to come out and enjoy! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know that the Mummies of the World exhibition will be making its Florida premiere at MOSI on Friday, April 27, 2012. 

The presentation in Tampa will mark the fifth stop of the exhibition’s exclusive seven-city tour. This astonishing collection of mummies and related artifacts includes a 6,420-year-old child mummy from Peru, dating 3,000 years before King Tut. 

Mummies of the World is the first exhibition of its kind to be showcased at MOSI. The exhibition presents a never before seen collection of rare mummies from across the world including South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt that spans eons of time and transcends history.

With its collection of 150 specimens and objects, Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real human and animal mummies and related artifacts ever assembled. The exhibition reveals how the scientific study of mummies provides a window into the lives of ancient people, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. It also demonstrates that mummification – both through natural processes and intentional practices – has taken place all over the globe, from the hot desert sands of South America to remote European bogs.

Mummies of the World will be on exhibition from April 27, 2012 through September 3, 2012.  Tickets are on sale now and reservations are highly recommended.

Mummies of the World is a timed-entry exhibition, so before making a purchase, visitors will be asked to select the date and time of their visit.

Don’t miss out on a chance to see rare collections of mummies from across the world. Buy your tickets today by calling (813) 987-6000. MOSI will be offering special packages that include regular admission plus Mummies of the World, as well as a Mummies of the World only ticket. 

Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here with some great news for local business owners.

With 52,062 small businesses in the area, Tampa Bay was named one of the 10 Great Cities for Starting a Business by Kiplinger.com.

Who wouldn’t want to start a business in a location filled with wonderful attractions, arts & culture, sports, parks, beaches and so much more? It’s like working in paradise!

The local government is business-friendly, promising tax credits to businesses that locate in certain areas or work in one of a number of high-demand industries, including life sciences and sustainable energy.
 
Tampa’s small-business owners also benefit from the state’s lack of personal income tax and 5.5% corporate income tax. The city is a key player in the Startup America Partnership, a national initiative that has funneled more than $730 million to new businesses in Florida and six other states.

To check out this article for yourself go to, http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/10-great-cities-for-starting-a-business/11.html.

Have a wonderful evening! Check back with us throughout the week for more information on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know that Music on the Bay is taking place at Whisky Joes in March.

Music on the Bay (MOTB) is a three day Parrot Head Trop-Rock Event that is taking place at Whisky Joes Barefoot Beach Bar in March.

In conjunction with The Tampa Bay Parrot Head Club, other Parrot Head clubs from all
over the state of Florida and Whiskey Joe's new Barefoot Beach Bar are coming together to make this event a fantastic Trop-Rock vacation event on the waters of beautiful Tampa Bay.

MOTB 2012 will feature some of America’s best Trop-Rock Bands from all over the
nation. Beginning Friday, March 2 at 1pm, 17 artists will take over the outdoor
waterside beach stage through Sunday, March 4, 2012.

Trop- Rock is a Island/Tropical inspired genre that blends Rock, Reggae, Caribbean and Latin music with Island/Tropical instrument arrangements and song themes. Its roots are based upon the beach music scene from the 60’s.

 Registration ends on February 6th, so don’t delay and register today! Each registered attendee will be given a goodie bag. In addition, there will be vendors with “parrotphanlia” for sale on site.  *The proceeds from MOTB raffles benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children.*

Discount hotel accommodations are still available as well as vendor spaces. Visit the MOTB website at www.musiconthebay.org to register and to get more detailed information on this event.

Enjoy the Party! Check back with us often for updates on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!

Hi everyone.  Travis back with some great information about MOSI's Festival of Chocolate, taking place next week from January 14-16.  We're giving a list of the who's who in the confectionary world, and they'll all be at MOSI for the Festival. 

MOSI will host Tampa’s second annual Festival of Chocolate, which is Florida’s largest all-chocolate themed event!  The event features the area's best chocolate and confection companies selling treats of everything chocolate from truffles, cakes and cupcakes to cookies, brownies and ice creams. 

Vendors confirmed for the Festival of Chocolate include:
Boola Creamery (KISSIMMEE)
Candy Cottage (Ft. LAUDERDALE)
Candy Clouds Cotton Candy Co. (ORLANDO)
Chateau Confections (WINTER PARK)
Chocolais Wine (TAMPA)
Choffy (TAMPA)
Dove Chocolate Discoveries (TAMPA)
Frostings etc. (SOUTH TAMPA)
Frost the Cake (NEW TAMPA)
Galleria of Chocolate (ORLANDO)
Joey Biscotti (LARGO)
Kookie Krums (DUNEDIN)
La Creperia Cafe (YBOR CITY)
Mikey’s Café & Bakery Co. (HISTORIC SEMINOLE HEIGHTS)
Notter School of Pastry Arts (ORLANDO)
The Olive Tap (WEST PALM BEACH)
The Original Leena's Chocolates (VALRICO)
Picture This Candy Company (ORLANDO)
Planet Smoothie (TEMPLE TERRACE)
PRP Wine International (TAMPA)
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (ORLANDO)
Just Because Treats (TAMPA BAY/CLEARWATER)
Schakolad Chocolate Factory (SOUTH TAMPA)
Stefano's Gelato (LUTZ)
Sweet Tweets Cakery (CARROLLWOOD)
William Dean Chocolates (BELLAIR BLUFFS)

Here's the best part!!!!!  Entrance into The Festival of Chocolate is complementary with your MOSI admission, which means you get everything MOSI has to offer!!!  PLus, each adult advance purchase ticket will receive two dollars in chocolate coins to spend in The Festival of Chocolate. If you are a MOSI Member, you receive discounted entry pricing at only $10 a ticket and member children can attend for FREE. 

Just visit mosi.org to get more details.  And don't forget, it all happens from Jan. 14-16 at MOSI.  Have fun and get stuffed!  And we'll see you back here for more Tampa Bay Entertainment options for the entire family, plus more great things to do in Tampa Bay. 

• Waverunners - Fun excursions including snorkeling, tubing, and shelling.
• Dirtbikes: Riding adventures ages 8 and up - they provide the equipment and training.
• Harley Bike Rentals: Local tours in the Tampa area and custom tours that extend as far as Key West!

Hi everyone!  Travis back with some more great things to do in Tampa Bay and at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo!  We got some really neat information from the Zoo that we just HAD to pass along....

On December 6, zookeepers welcomed the third successful hatching this year of an endangered African penguin chick!  Now is when you say, "awwwwwwwwwwww" as you're looking at the photo!  We'll give you a minute........

Now 10 days old, the downy grey chick is alert, warm and vocalizing (which we are told are three positive signs of health and strength). It is nesting inside the penguin building under the watchful care of first-time parents, Tinkerbell and Loki.

Here's some great news from the Zoo: To date, the parents are very attentive and sharing in the brooding responsibilities of the hatchling, whose gender has not yet been determined. The tiny chick weighed just 54 grams when hatched, and has grown to 272 grams as of Dec. 15.  The newest penguin chick will remain with the parents for a few weeks, then be transitioned to zookeeper care to facilitate independence and learning to swim, before ultimately joining the colony on exhibit in several months.

Once on exhibit, it will be easy to spot with its dark gray juvenile plumage for about a year, which will be replaced by the characteristic black and white feathers following its first molt.

Here's why all of this is important work: African penguins, endemic to mainly offshore islands on South Africa’s coast, were reclassified in 2010 from 'vulnerable' to 'endangered' on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List. The Zoo’s penguins are members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) African Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP) program. 

There are 17 species of penguins in the world, each distinctive.  Not all species live in frigid climates, with some well suited for warm climates.  African penguins are also known “black-footed” penguins or “jackass” penguins for their donkey-like braying sounds. The wild population has declined drastically (estimated 80 percent) in the last 50 years due to loss of habitat and oil pollution.

This is some really cool stuff, so make sure you make plans to head to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo to see what it's all about!!!  And if you go, let us know how it was...but we'll be by also!!!  If you want more info about the zoo, head over to www.lowryparkzoo.com.  And keep checking back here for more great Tampa Bay area events, updates like this, and much more. 

Hey everyone.  Travis back with great gridiron things to do in Tampa Bay.  One of my favorite events of the year is the Outback Bowl!  Although our hometown USF Bulls can't play (it's a matchup between the SEC and Big Ten Conferences), we still have some of the country's best teams face off in Tampa Bay! 

This year, the Michigan State Spartans and Georgia Bulldogs will square-off in the Outback Bowl on January 2 in Tampa. That's right, the game is Jan. 2 this year!  It is a match-up of two 10-win Division Champions from two of the most prestigious conferences in college football. The Spartans are ranked 12th in the AP Poll while the Bulldogs are ranked 18th. It's hard to believe that we have two top 20 teams coming to Tampa Bay!

If you've ever been to an Outback Bowl in Tampa Bay, you know there are a lot of events to participate in surrounding the game, including parades, beach days, and much, much more.  You can find all of those events and information at www.OutbackBowl.com.  But we'll also be back with more updates about what's happening surrounding the game. 

But remember, the Outback Bowl will be played on January 2, kickoff at 1PM, at Raymond James Stadium. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster..just call (813) 287-8844 or 1-800-745-3000, or head over to www.ticketmaster.com. And if you just want your tickets in your hand, then tickets can also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet in the state of Florida.

And like I said, keep checking back here for more updates, or head over to www.OutbackBowl.com to get more details.  And we'll see you with more great Tampa Bay area events!

Hey everyone!  Here's some great Tampa Bay Entertainment for you, and you won't even have to leave your house to enjoy it! 

On Wednesday, November 9, “Drinking Made Easy” airs an episode featuring Tampa area establishments.  The Columbia Restaurant of Ybor City welcomed Zane Lamprey and the show’s crew as fifth generation family member Andrea Gonzmart demonstrated how to make two of The Columbia’s signature drinks, “Bloody Gazpacho” and a “Café con Leche Martini.”

I don't know if I'd like either of them, but I would certainly give them a try!!!!  But back to the story...

The show also highlights Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing, stops by the first Hooters location for an “Orange Shorts Margarita,” and features a “Blue Blazer” at Mandarin Hide. “Drinking Made Easy” airs Wednesday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET on HDNet.

HDNet networks are available nationally via DIRECTV and Dish Network and locally in Tampa, Florida on Knology Holding Inc. and Verizon FiOS. Check your local listings for channels and more information.  Please see http://www.hd.net/programs/drinking-made-easy/  for more information.

Here's a little history on the Columbia Restaurant:
The Columbia is Florida’s oldest restaurant, founded in 1905 by Cuban immigrant, Casimiro Hernandez Sr.  The Columbia Restaurant was founded in 1905 in Ybor City and is Florida’s Oldest Restaurant.  Additional locations include St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, the Historic District in St. Augustine, The Pier in Downtown St. Petersburg, Sand Key on Clearwater Beach, Central Florida's town of Celebration and the Columbia Café on the Riverwalk in Tampa. All Columbia Restaurants are owned and operated by 4th and 5th generation members of the founding family. Please see www.columbiarestaurant.com for more information.

Enjoy the show, and enjoy the drinks!  And keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay!